Beyond great! Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton would love Nike-fuelled Cristiano Ronaldo swoop

12 Mar 2013 11:42

Sponsorship millions from Nike AND General Motors could drive move for Real Madrid ace that would thrill 1966 hero... though Bernabeu chief's probably less impressed

Put it on. Stand on that chair. Dance around a bit: Nike could be calling the tune over Cristiano Ronaldo's next move

The news that a return to Manchester United by Cristiano Ronaldo is looking slightly less impossible than it did last week is putting a spring in Sir Bobby Charlton's step - though Real Madrid are digging in for a war over the player. 
With Nike reportedly so desperate to get their lad CR7 moved to a swoosh-branded club that they'll actually stump up some of the readies for his return to Old Trafford - and General Motors also apparently eager to monetise the low hanging fruit or something like that - the deal's been moved onto the 'definitely maybe' list.
Exciting news for United fans, including Sir Bobby.

Knights of old: Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson

AP

 According to reports, the 1966 England hero and United director Charlton spoke about Ronaldo at the Laureus Sports Awards in Rio last night, and commented on the hero's welcome CR7 received at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Quoted in the Sun newspaper, Charlton said: “Any great player would be welcomed back but Cristiano went beyond being just a great player.
“He scores phenomenal goals, loves the club and was just the right sort of player at Manchester United. I’m a fan of him like anyone else and on a personal level I would like to see him back. I can’t say anything more than that.”
Ronaldo refused to celebrate after scoring the winner that dumped Manchester United out of the Champions League last week.
He's got two years left on his current Real Madrid contract - which means we're at the 'renegotiate or sell' stage of the cycle, a fact that won't have escaped Real's notice.
According to a report in the Daily Star newspaper, Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno said: “Cristiano is under contract and we are happy with him.

You just can't put a price on CR7's contribution: Emilio Butragueno of Real Madrid getting ready to put a price on CR7's contribution?

Matthew Peters

“He is a fantastic  professional, and very ambitious in a positive way. His contribution to the team and the club has been amazing. We are very grateful he came to us and are lucky he plays for Real Madrid.
“He scores a goal a game on average. This is incredible. I have been watching football since I was three and never saw anything like that.
“When Ronaldo is on the pitch, you know you are going to score.
“It is an incredible advantage.” -------Mirror Football